Best Ways to Exercise a Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, athletic dog breed that was originally bred to hunt lions in Africa. Despite their history as big game hunters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make wonderful family companions when properly exercised and stimulated. This high-energy breed requires 30-60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Here are some of the best ways to exercise your Rhodesian Ridgeback for a fit, happy dog.
Daily Walks
- A good brisk 30-60 minute walk once or twice a day is a great way to exercise your Rhodesian Ridgeback and allow them to explore their surroundings. Vary the walking routes to provide mental stimulation too.
- Walking your dog on leash allows you to practice obedience commands and leash manners during the walk. Always use a strong leash and properly fitted collar or harness made for large breed dogs.
- Make sure to bring waste bags and clean up after your dog during walks. Carrying a bottle of water and collapsible bowl is a good idea too.
- Walking your Rhodesian Ridgeback is also a great way for you to get exercise too. Bring your kids or other family members along for a family fitness activity.
Playing Fetch
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks love playing fetch! Their high prey drive and athleticism makes them excellent at chasing balls, flying discs (Frisbees), sticks, and other fetch toys.
- Play fetch in a safely fenced area so your dog has plenty of room to run and chase. Always use balls and flying discs that are too large to be swallowed.
- Try extra long leads (30-50 ft) to allow more space and freedom during fetch games. Have your Ridgeback practice "drop it" so they return the toy to you.
- Fetch is a great way to bond with your Rhodesian Ridgeback and have fun together. It provides mental stimulation from having a job to do too. Just be sure to limit intense fetch sessions to avoid overexertion.
Running & Jogging
- If you are a runner, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can make an excellent running companion. Their great endurance allows them to keep up on runs up to 10 miles.
- Wait until your Rhodesian Ridgeback is over 1.5 years old before starting any intense or high impact exercise like running, as their growth plates are still developing.
- Slowly build up their mileage and take water breaks. Pay attention to their paw pads for any splitting or abrasions. Booties can help protect their paws.
- Run in cooler weather and avoid hot pavement. Dogs can overheat easily. Bring water for both of you and avoid overexertion.
Swimming
- Most Rhodesian Ridgebacks love swimming! Providing a safe place to swim and retrieve toys is ideal exercise.
- Introduce them slowly to water and provide a dog life jacket if needed, until they gain confidence. Never force them in. Reward with treats for entering the water.
- Swimming exercises their whole body without stress on joints. It builds cardiovascular and muscular strength.
- Supervise always around water and watch out for dangerous currents or undertows. Rinse or shampoo your dog after swimming to remove chlorine or dirt.
Interactive Toys & Games
- In addition to physical exercise, Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a lot of mental stimulation. Work their brain by providing interactive puzzle toys and games.
- Kongs stuffed with treats or peanut butter are great for keeping your dog entertained and motivated to play. Hide and seek with toys is fun too.
- "Find It" is an easy nosework game you can play indoors or outside to exercise your Ridgeback's keen sense of smell. Start with treats in an easy place to find and increase difficulty.
- Try different interactive food puzzle toys that require manipulation with paws or nose to earn kibble as a reward. This provides mental exercise to tire them.
- Learning new tricks and commands also stimulates your Rhodesian Ridgeback mentally. Practice 10-15 minutes per day on basic obedience or fun tricks.
Additional Exercise Tips:
- Puppies under 18 months should only have short, positive exercise sessions to avoid overstressing developing joints and growth plates.
- Always bring a collapsible water bowl and provide access to fresh water during and after exercise.
- Avoid exercising in excessive heat. Their short coat makes Rhodesian Ridgebacks prone to overheating. Exercise during cooler parts of the day.
- Vary your Ridgeback's exercise regime. Try swimming one day, then a long hike the next day followed by playing fetch. Different activities prevent boredom.
- Scale back exercise as your Rhodesian Ridgeback ages to prevent soreness. Low impact exercise is best for seniors.
- Crate rest your Ridgeback if they become injured or ill to allow complete recovery. Follow your veterinarian's advice on restricting activity.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has plenty of exercise needs, but meeting them is very rewarding. A tired Ridgeback is a happy, well-behaved Ridgeback! With proper activity in a loving home, this fantastic breed makes an unparalleled canine companion.